Bomb scare hurts box office

Refunds due to patrons who didn't make curtain

The Times Square bomb scare May 1 was likely a factor in slowing Broadway business in week 49 (April 26-May 2).

Although evidence is mostly anecdotal, walk-up business was doubtless affected, although no performances were cancelled outright. Theatergoers who were unable to make it to their curtains are entitled to refunds.

Those refunds may have contributed, for instance, to the slide of “Lend Me a Tenor” ($332,497), which fell 31%. A rep for the production said only an estimated 300 people made it to the show the evening of May 1.

Nonetheless, there were a couple of B.O. bumps to report, including at the just-opened revival “Promises, Promises” ($1,097,916), topping $1 million for the first time, and doing it in a week that accommodated comped tickets for second-night press.

Riding strong reviews, “Fences” ($787,660) and “Everyday Rapture” ($136,732) also climbed, even in a week that included opening night performances for both shows. Otherwise, declines were widespread, with total sales falling about $1.4 million to $20.7 million for 34 shows on the boards. Attendance slipped by nearly 20,000, to 254,340.

This week of the season often sees dips at the box office in a frame that falls between the tourist-heavy times of spring break and summer vacation.

The 25 musicals grossed $17,720,426 for 85.6% of the Broadway total, with attendance of 209,820 at 78.5% capacity and average paid admission of $84.46.

The nine plays grossed $2,992,457 for 14.4% of the Broadway total, with attendance of 44,520 at 65.4% capacity and average paid admission of $67.22.